Seahawks.com Senior Reporter
The Seahawks dropped a tricky one on Sunday, dropping 17-13 to the 49ers after San Francisco was in a position to drive for a late landing, then drive a turnover when the Seahawks drove into the crimson zone in search of the profitable rating. From a few of the questions I will respectfully decline to reply this week, a few of you’re actually mad about that sport. And I get it, it stinks seeing your group lose, and to a division rival no much less, but it surely’s additionally price taking a deep breath and remembering that there are nonetheless 16 video games to go, and you’ll nearly by no means actually get the total image of what a group is, good or unhealthy, from the primary sport of the season. If the offense manages solely 13 factors each week, would that be acceptable? In fact not, however can we simply decide that that efficiency is what this offense will probably be for a whole season as a result of it did not go in response to plan in Week 1? Hardly. Anyway, I will get off my soapbox now and we are able to transfer onto your questions.
As at all times, because of everybody who requested questions this week, and apologies if I wasn’t in a position to get to yours this time round. And keep in mind, the mailbag is at all times open for submissions at Seahawks.com\/mailbag<\/a>.
Dan from Zillah, Washington asks, “Why did the Seahawks determined to kick a discipline objective as an alternative of go for it on fourth and brief late within the sport?”<\/strong>
A: Should you want a refresher, the state of affairs this query is referring to got here late within the fourth quarter when the Seahawks, after a 6-yard Sam Darnold completion to Cooper Kupp, had been going through fourth-and-1 from the San Francisco 19-yard line with 3:28 left on the clock and the rating tied at 10-10.
Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald had a option to make at that time, which was to take a high-percentage discipline objective try to take a 13-10 lead, or to go for it on fourth-and-1, doubtlessly extending the drive to take extra break day the clock earlier than kicking a discipline objective, or ideally, scoring a landing to go up by seven factors.
Macdonald, having watched his protection maintain the 49ers to a single discipline objective over the span of eight possessions following an opening-drive landing, opted to take the (nearly) positive factors within the second and belief his protection. With San Francisco holding all three time outs, it was no positive factor that the Seahawks would have been in a position to bleed out way more clock had they gotten the primary down, which as Macdonald defined on Seattle Sports activities 710AM, factored into their pondering.
“It was in favor to go (for it) for us on our mannequin,” Macdonald stated on the Brock and Salk Present. “You make this stuff in actual time, but it surely was a full yard, in all probability somewhat bit extra so. And I felt like if we took the lead proper there, we had been enjoying properly on protection, it wasn’t four-down territory for them but. If kick the ball off to them, it isn’t four-down territory for them but. I believe they might nonetheless punt it if we obtained a three-down cease in minus territory and get into four-minute mode, which I felt good about the best way we ran it that drive. And in the event that they get in plus territory, they’re nonetheless in three-down mode to kick a discipline objective, which, what are we, six inches away from with the ability to go down and kick a discipline objective with ample time on offense.
“In order that was the pondering, Should you go and also you get the primary down, you are not assured a landing,” he added. “You are going to knock a while off the clock, and finally you may in all probability find yourself with a rating on that, after which San Fran’s going to be in a four-down state of affairs coming down the sector, \u2026 which is a troublesome state of affairs too on protection. I believe the numbers are about 40, 50, 60-percent rating fee in that state of affairs. So that is what was going via my thoughts.”
@MrEd315 asks, “In your estimation, what good issues got here out of the season opener?”<\/strong>
A: As irritating as that loss was, there have been, actually, a number of good issues that got here out of the sport. At first, regardless of some very expensive errors, the trouble and physicality the group performed with, in all three phases, was actually good, and that may go an extended methods over the course of a season. Small errors tied to execution or approach or scheme could be expensive, to make sure, however these a heck of loads simpler to educate up in every week than are effort or toughness.
On protection, a number of gamers stood out, together with Ernest Jones IV and Josh Jobe, who had interceptions, and Julian Love, who had 10 tackles, a sack and a blocked discipline objective, and several other gamers alongside the defensive entrance who had been disruptive within the run and cross sport, together with Leonard Williams, Byron Murphy II, Boye Mafe, DeMarcus Lawrence and Derick Corridor.
On offense, a 13-point displaying clearly is not superb, however there have been some encouraging indicators, together with the truth that Sam Darnold was hit solely twice and sacked as soon as\u2014and sure, it was a large, game-altering sack\u2014indications that Darnold is doing an excellent job processing rapidly and getting the ball out quick, and likewise that the offensive line did an excellent job in cross safety. And naturally, there’ was Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s efficiency that noticed him catch 9 passes for 124 yards, together with a 40-yarder late within the sport that put the Seahawks within the crimson zone for a doable go-ahead rating earlier than the game-ending fumble.
@curtis93969 asks, “What’s the largest change in weekday\/weekend routine you see when the group ahs a ten a.m. East Coast sport?<\/strong>
A: The Seahawks do not change a ton throughout the week by way of follow\/assembly schedule throughout the week after they’re making ready to move east. The most important adjustment comes when the group leaves Friday, as opposed Saturday for a shorter journey to play an NFC West opponent. By attending to their vacation spot\u2014Pittsburgh this week\u2014on Friday evening, gamers can begin to regulate their physique clocks, beginning with an earlier begin to their Saturday. The Seahawks have been on an identical schedule for years, having additionally traveled on Fridays beneath Pete Carroll, and it has labored out properly for the group. Relationship again to the 2018 season, the Seahawks are 19-5 of their final 24 video games that kick off at 10 a.m. PT.
@jimbot4000 asks, “How lengthy is Nick Emmanwori going to be out? He appeared fairly good within the brief time he obtained to play?”<\/strong>
A: Emmanwori did certainly flash his potential early within the sport, tackling 49ers operating again Christian McCaffrey for a 2-yard loss, however sadly, he additionally injured his ankle on the play with teammate Leonard Williams fell into his leg. Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald stated Monday that Emmanwori does have a excessive ankle sprain, and whereas he did not give a particular timetable, he did point out that the rookie security may presumably go on injured reserve this week, which might trigger him to overlook at the very least 4 video games ought to the Seahawks make that call.
“It’s a excessive ankle for Nick,” Macdonald stated. “Let’s name it week-to-week at this level. If we make a transfer, it could be in all probability the following day or two, as a result of we have to resolve whether or not or to not make a transfer on that entrance.”
Requested to make clear if making a transfer meant doubtlessly placing Emmanwori on injured reserve, Macdonald stated, “That is into account, yeah. We’ll see right here within the subsequent few days.”
@XRay_Bird asks, “With Emmanwori’s damage, how massive of a job do you suppose D’Anthony Bell will play in his absence?”<\/strong>
A: Properly, for now the query can be if Emmanwori’s damage may imply a promotion from the follow squad for Bell, which looks like an actual risk. The Seahawks can also at all times elevated Bell from the follow squad for just a few video games if they do not need to put Emmanwori on IR. As issues at present stand, Ty Okada is the following man up at security behind starters Julian Love and Coby Bryant, however in relation to the position of a 3rd security, it will not be a one-for-one alternative for Emmanwori by way of enjoying time. The Seahawks had created a particular position for Emmanwori to reap the benefits of his distinctive abilities and traits, so for nevertheless lengthy he’s out, we’d see the Seahawks play extra conventional nickel protection (three cornerbacks, two safeties) than the large nickel bundle that features Emmanwori.
Bell did present playmaking potential in camp and has been a particular groups standout in his earlier three seasons in Cleveland, so an damage at security may undoubtedly create possibilities for him to contribute on sport day.
@LoneStarSeahawk asks, “Why did they hype the run sport all preseason after which abandon it after the second drive?”<\/strong>
A: Sorry, however I will must disagree with the premise of this query. Did the Seahawks run the ball properly on Sunday? Not typically sufficient, as is obvious of their 3.2 yards per carry common, but it surely’s simply not true that they deserted the run.
After operating on 16 of 27 first-half offensive performs, the Seahawks ran on 10 of 23 performs within the second half, together with six consecutive runs\u2014one in every of them a Darnold scramble, the opposite 5 designed runs\u2014on the fourth quarter drive that resulted in a discipline objective. The did skew the numbers a bit late within the sport by throwing 4 straight instances on their remaining drive with time winding down, however to say they deserted the run is simply not correct.
Do the Seahawks want to determine tips on how to run the ball extra successfully? Completely, however they did not hand over on it.
**@erocy.world**<\/a> on BlueSky asks, “The Jalen Milroe Draw on the third play of the sport, what had been they attempting to perform with that precisely?”<\/strong>
A: As Macdonald stated Monday, Milroe had an choice to throw, however learn the play proper and elected to run. Clearly they did not get a giant achieve out of it, however the thought is to get Milroe on the sector at instances to reap the benefits of his athleticism, and relying on sport conditions and what number of complete performs the Seahawks run\u2014they’d simply 50 on Sunday\u2014there will probably be extra possibilities for him to get on the sector. The Seahawks additionally in all probability appreciated the concept of placing him on the sector early in Week 1 to indicate groups {that a} Milroe bundle is one thing they’re going to must spend time making ready for throughout the week.
**Bcas98@bsky.social**<\/a> asks, “Hey John, it gave the impression of Mike earlier than the season was speaking about Olu having a shot to win his job again throughout the season. Do you suppose they’re taking it week by week or is Sundell is the starter for the season?”<\/strong>
A: I did not take Macdonald’s feedback to imply it is an open competitors all through the season, however the Seahawks do like Oluwatimi and would belief going to him if that state of affairs had been to come up. Oluwatimi performed properly in a tricky state of affairs final 12 months, leaping into the beginning position unexpectedly halfway via the season when Connor Williams abruptly retired, and Oluwatimi was having an excellent camp and really properly might need gained the story position, however a again damage sidelined him and opened the door for Jalen Sundell, who to his credit score took benefit of the chance and gained the position. Macdonald confirmed final season at just a few totally different positions that he is not afraid to make lineup modifications in the course of a season, so whereas I do not see a state of affairs the place they’ve an open competitors all through the season, you may by no means say somebody is locked right into a beginning position for a season as a result of they had been the Week 1 starter.
Go behind the scenes with group photographer Rod Mar as he shares moments from the Seahawks’ Week 1 divisional matchup vs. the San Francisco 49ers at Lumen Area.
It is gameday and Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold runs onto the turf at Lumen Area for the common season opener.
Seahawks broad receiver Cody White pauses for the digital camera on the sector hours earlier than kickoff.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold huddles the receivers and tight ends after their early warmups.
These younger 12s had been dressed for sport day.
Present Seahawks cornerback Shaquill Griffin poses along with his brother and Seahawks Legend Shaquem Griffin on the sidelines earlier than the sport.
Seahawks receiver Cody White performs catch with followers as he heads to the locker room throughout pregame.
Seahawks middle Olu Oluwatimi stretches within the locker room earlier than the sport.
Seahawks linebacker Ernest Jones IV talks his teammates within the locker room earlier than they take the sector.
Seahawks gamers led by Jarran Reed make their approach from the locker room to the sector for pregame warmups.
Seahawks punter Michael Dickson pauses for a selfie photograph with a fan after seeing her signal close to the locker room.
Seahwaks Legends pose for a photograph whereas on the sector being honored throughout Legend’s Weekend. Included are Steven Terrell, Jon Ryan, Garry Gilliam, Ben Obomanu, Thomas Rawls and Roy Lewis.
Seahawks defensive lineman Leonard Williams is pumped as he makes his approach from the locker room to the sector for pregame introductions.
Seahawks fullback Brady Russell leads the group onto the sector throughout pregame ceremonies.
Seattle’s Derick Corridor leaps as he’s launched throughout pregame.
Seahawks security Julian Love makes his solution to the sector amid smoke and fog throughout pregame introductions on the day Seattle kicked off its fiftieth season.
Seahawks receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba beneficial properties yards after the catch on Seattle’s opening drive.
Seahawks Devon Witherspoon and Leonard Williams fireplace up the group throughout the first quarter.
Seahawks security Nick Emmanwori tackles 49ers operating again Christian McCaffrey as Seattle’s Leonard Williams closes in.
Seattle’s Jarran Reed flattens 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy throughout the first half.
12s implore the followers for extra noise.
Seahawks security Julian Love flies in to sack 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy.
Seahawks receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba finds operating room after the catch.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold appears to be like for operating room behind deal with Abraham Lucas.
Seattle’s Ernest Jones IV appears to be like for operating room as teammate Coby Bryant appears to be like to make a block after Jones intercepted a cross within the second quarter.
12s wave their inexperienced poms within the stands.
Seattle’s protection together with Coby Bryant, Jarran Reed and Julian Love cease 49ers operating again Christian McCaffrey.
Seahawks security Julian Love races into to dam a discipline objective earlier than halftime.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold calls alerts earlier than the snap.
Seattle’s Leonard Williams grabs 49ers operating again Christian McCaffrey.
Seahawks kick returner Cody White flies via the air on a return.
Seahawks cornerback Josh Jobe intercepts a cross within the fourth quarter, thwarting a 49ers drive.
Seahawks Brady Russell, Josh Jobe and Derick Corridor have fun Jobe’s interception.
The Seahawks offensive line readies for a sequence within the fourth quarter. From left are Abraham Lucas, Anthony Bradford, Jalen Sundell, Gray Zabel and Charles Cross.
Seahawks kicker Jason Myers watches his discipline objective cut up the uprights within the fourth quarter. At left is holder Michael Dickson.
Seahawks receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba catches a superbly thrown cross from quarterback Sam Darnold late within the sport.
On the podium throughout his postgame press convention, Ernest Jones IV solutions questions whereas sporting a shirt honoring his late father, who handed earlier this 12 months.
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